JUN 25 -- New York Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent-In-Charge John P. Gilbride and Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget G. Brennan today announced last night’s arrest of two certified New York bail enforcement agents (bounty hunters), Chris Morel and Rensy Adrover. They were apprehended with six and a half pounds of cocaine with a street value of at least $300,000.

Investigators recovered documents indicating that both defendants are employed by Elsa Fugitive Recovery Agency at 154 W 231 st Street in the Bronx as bail enforcement agents. Morel also listed his place of employment as a supervisor at St. Vincent’s Hospital. The defendants were off-duty when they were arrested at 9:45 last night on the corner of Dykman Avenue and Seaman Avenue in upper Manhattan when the cocaine was observed in the hatchback of Morel’s black Nissan. Morel was driving and Androver was in the passenger seat. Although off duty, Morel wore a uniform which identified him as a member of the “Fugitive Apprehension Unit”.

Bounty Hunter Gear.

DEA agents and Special Narcotics investigators were in the area of Dykman Avenue and Seaman Avenue and witnessed both defendants putting on ballistic vests and police tactical gear. Agents approached the defendants and searched the vehicle leading to the recovery the three kilograms (6.6 pounds) of cocaine and law enforcement paraphernalia, including a stun gun, a dagger, bullet proof vests, tactical gear, handcuffs and an official looking law enforcement parking permit. Agents also found work credentials identifying the two as New York Bail Enforcement Agents and certifications permitting them to execute bail warrants of non violent offenders.

The defendants are expected to be charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4 th Degree. If convicted they face a sentence range of 8 to 20 years in prison.

The case is being prosecuted by the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor’s Special Investigations Bureau.